Open Pit Mining in Sotk to Cease Soon, Says Hovhannes Harutyunyan

The open pit mining operations in Sotk will soon be halted as the resources are depleting. This was announced by Hovhannes Harutyunyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, during a special session of the National Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee.

“The organization had planned to cease operations last autumn, but we negotiated and insisted that employees be retained until this summer, after which downsizing should begin,” said the deputy minister.

According to him, employees are still receiving their salaries despite being on forced leave. Harutyunyan also noted that the operator has assured that the explosions will not interfere with the mining operations conducted in a closed manner.

Regarding the open pit operation, he stated that there is approximately one month’s worth of work remaining. “Currently, the operator is making certain selections among the employees based on their specialties, age, and other factors. For those facing layoffs but possessing essential skills, the operator is negotiating with other businesses to transfer those employees to another mine,” Harutyunyan added.